Backup for Files - How do I restore Oracle databases?

Overview

The specific restore procedure depends on which technique you were using to backup your Oracle databases. The general procedure is the same in each instance: restore the data files using the file manager wizard, and then use the Oracle tools to restore your databases.

Instructions

Flash Recovery Area Method (Oracle10g Release 2 only):

First, try to restore using the files already in the Oracle flash recovery area. If the files in your flash recovery area have been damaged or they are incomplete, then you should proceed with these instructions.

Make a copy of all files currently in the Oracle flash recovery area.

Use the File Manager Restore Wizard to select and restore the files to the flash recovery area. Overwrite any files that already exist (you should have copied them in step 2, so this will not destroy any data).

Open a SQL*Plus command prompt and issue the following command:CATALOG RECOVERY AREA;

Use the Oracle tools to restore the databases from the flash recovery area.

Volume Shadow Copy Method (Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP only):

If you were using this method then you were directly backing up your database control file and tablespace data files when they were in a consistent state (by using Volume Shadow Copy and one of the techniques described in our knowledge base). To restore your database, follow these procedures:

Stop the Oracle database service(s) for the database(s) you are going to restore.

For each database, copy the database control file and the tablespace data files to a temporary location.

Use the File Manager Restore Wizard to restore your database control file and tablespace data files.

Start the Oracle database service(s). You may have to perform media recovery. See the Oracle manual for details on how to restore data made via an offline backup.

Logical Backups (Database Export) Method:

If you were using this method then you were using the Oracle export utility (or data pump utility) to export your database to a binary file and then used online backup to backup the exported data. To restore your data, follow these steps:

Use the File Manager Restore Wizard to restore the files containing the exported database data.

Use the Oracle import tool to restore the data. More information can be found in the Oracle Utilities Book, in the export section of the book, in the import/export FAQ, and in an article on the data pump.